Evolve Cards and Collectibles — Attraction in Columbus

I'm relatively new to this hobby and was afraid I'd be overwhelmed, but Evolve made the transition easy for me! Here's my breakdown on Evolve:

Staff:

The staff is probably my favorite part about this place. Getting into this hobby I was worried about the stereotypes of "card people". Evolve staff is social, comfortable, knowledgeable and you can tell they genuinely care.

Jake doesn't make you feel dumb for asking questions, even when they are dumb ones. He also goes above and beyond helping me learn the Pokemon card game and helped me find locals.

Justin is probably one of the most knowledgeable MTG guys I'e met, but again, doesn't come across as snooty or better than you when you ask questions. Eager to help people learn and answer questions, and I've caught myself multiple times just coming in to talk to him.

Sean (or Shawn sorry) is I think the manager there. Extremely well spoken and knows his stuff. One of the guys that quickly become more than like, a friend then just a guy working the shop.

Mike is the sports guy! Frankly not something I really buy but even then brings energy to the shop and does his best to help me regardless of the questions.

Prices:

I've been to every shop in Columbus now, and Evolve is one of the most competitive shops when it comes to buying AND selling. They provide good cash and credit for buying your cards and do their best to keep both singles and sealed product at MSRP at launch. Even for these crazy new Pokemon sets their prices and pre releases are crazy good, showing their putting the customers over the money.

Website:

The website is solid, especially when looking for singles. Can't recommend the website enough.

I'm really happy to have found this shop. I know this is a long review but these guys deserve it and I'm proud to be a...

UPDATE 5/29: I debated writing this update, but was spending too much time worried that my first review would encourage others to have a bad experience.

I feel that while my first couple of experiences with the mystery pack product mentioned below we're OK, I have sense come to believe that the intended purpose of this product is soley to move unmovable junk to the detriment of the consumer.

Here's the deal... When you make mystery packs, you need to offset the cost of the 'Chase' cards (the desired pulls/ hits), with enough fluff to make them affordable. I get that... Hence the Will Levis Base 9... However when you take an off-centered Brian Thomas Jr. Prizm, graded at an 8, with a laughable $88 price tag and call it a "chase" card, now I am beginning to understand why these people do what they do. When I looked at the list the last time I was in, my honest first thought was "wow, those grades look pretty low to be circled as chase cards, but these guys must know what they're doing, right?".

They do... Lesson learned.

While you should understand that this hobby will never be profitable for the average consumer, I am telling you now, stay away from every and all mystery packs. Even if you got something in the past, this practice is soley to move products that don't sell.

Original Review: This store may specialize in Pokémon cards, but don't be fooled. They have THE BEST sports card mystery packs I have ever found in my years of collecting. The owner is a trustworthy and honest. He wants you to have a great experience. The packs have a list next to them, so you can see the potential prior to buying, and the hits are ACTUAL HITS! 100% worth it IMO. I love this store. Look at my latest mystery...

Got into collecting pokemon about 3 months ago and discovered this card shop around the corner from my work. Stopped in for a visit and ask some questions and was met with very knowledgeable and friendly staff and picked up my first vintage card. Since then I have regularly visited the store and have learned more about he hobby from the helpful staff, as well as managed to actually get my hands on product that simply can not be found else where. I've learned the pokemon hobby is in a difficult place and the staff at evolve are actively trying to combat this and get product into peoples hands. Thank you so much everyone at evolve, I look forward to shopping with you guys for years to come! SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL...